Nausea is an unpleasant, queasy feeling in the throat or stomach that may result in vomiting.

Vomiting is emptying the stomach as a result of strong gagging and retching that leads to throwing up. The stomach's contents are forcefully expelled through the mouth.

Vomiting can come in waves as the natural movement (muscle contractions of the digestive system known as peristalses) is reversed, and involuntary contractions in the walls of the stomach and esophagus force the stomach contents out.

Sometimes coughing or spitting up mucus from the lungs is confused with vomiting. Vomiting can only come from the stomach.

Retching is the reverse movement (peristalsis) of the stomach and esophagus without vomiting. Sometimes this is called the dry heaves.

What Causes Vomiting and Nausea?

Nausea and vomiting are controlled by the same parts of the brain that control involuntary bodily functions. Vomiting is actually a reflex triggered by a signal from the brain.

The signal to vomit can result from several stimuli such as smells, taste, various illnesses, emotions (such as fear), pain, injury, infection, food irritation, dizziness, motion, and other changes in the body, specifically these:

Alcohol from beer, wine, and liquor is turned into a chemical (acetaldehyde), which results in the sensation of nausea that is felt the next morning, known as a "hangover"

Nausea and vomiting occur frequently in pregnancy. Morning sickness usually happens in the first few months but sometimes can last throughout the pregnancy.

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of some medications. Usually nausea is not an allergy to a drug (which is a severe reaction that can include skin rash or trouble breathing), but an unwanted side effect of the medicine. Some medicines such as those used in cancer treatment (chemotherapy), antibiotics like erythomycin, and strong pain killers are well known to cause nausea and vomiting.

What are Symptoms of Vomiting and Nausea?

Nausea is a feeling of unease that frequently includes an upset stomach, dizziness, and anxiety. There is often an urge to vomit. This sensation often feels as if it comes from the stomach, but it is mostly controlled by the brain.

Vomiting, however, frequently improves the sensation of nausea, at least temporarily. Vomiting occurs when the stomach forcefully expels its contents out of the mouth. When vomiting continues after all the food and liquid has been forced out, it is called the dry heaves.

When vomiting leads to dehydration from loss of fluids, the affected person may have increased thirst, dry lips, and dry mouth. The person may not urinate often or urine will be darker in color. In children, signs of dehydration include dry lips and mouth, sunken eyes, rapid breathing, lethargy, and dry diaper, indicating the child is not producing urine.

When to Seek Medical Care for Nausea and Vomiting

Call a doctor if nausea is so severe the affected individual is unable to care for him or herself, or if the vomiting is so bad the person can't keep any liquids down for more than 8 hours.

Caring for a child, call for medical advice if the child does not urinate (or has dry diapers) in 6 to 8 hours. Signs and symptoms of dehydration in children and dehydration in adults (severe loss of body fluids) include weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness - these symptoms are worse when standing - dry mouth and lips, less urine than normal, dark-yellow and smelly urine, and severe thirst. Seek immediate medical care if the child is vomiting.

What are Vomiting and Nausea Home Remedies?

The mainstay of home nausea remedies is to drink fluids. Fluid intake helps correct electrolyte imbalance, which may stop the vomiting. Drinking fluids prevents dehydration, which is the main side effect of excessive vomiting.

Begin with small amounts, such as small sips. Drink only clear liquids (such as clear soup broth, juice, popsicles, jello, and sports drinks).

Avoid milk and any dairy products, which can worsen nausea and vomiting.

After 24 hours of tolerating fluids, work up to soft foods, including gelatin, oatmeal, yogurt, and similar soft foods. If vomiting and nausea return, switch back to liquids only, and consult a physician.

Ginger may be used to control nausea and vomiting. Studies have shown it to be effective after surgery and for motion sickness. Ginger comes in gelatin capsules, tea, or candied or crystallized ginger.

Consult your doctor before taking any herbal supplements or home remedies for nausea or vomiting.

Dehydration in children: Children should be given oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte, Rehydrate, Resol, and Rice-Lyte.

Water, soda, tea, and fruit juice will not correctly replace fluid or electrolytes lost with the vomiting. Water may dilute electrolytes to the point where the patient suffers seizures.

In underdeveloped nations or regions without available commercial pediatric drinks, the World Health Organization has established a field recipe for fluid rehydration: Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar (or honey) with ¼ teaspoon of table salt and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. (Baking soda may be substituted with ¼ teaspoon of table salt.) Mix in 1 liter (1 quart) of clean or previously boiled water.

Dehydration in adults: Although adults and adolescents have a larger electrolyte reserve than children, electrolyte imbalance and dehydration may still occur as fluid is lost through vomiting.

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Most Commom Prescribed Vomiting and Nausea Medications

Prescription medications are available for nausea following surgery and from chemotherapy. Talk with a health-care professional about medications to treat motions sickness for an upcoming trip or cruise (seasickness).

The most commonly prescribed anti-nausea and anti-vomiting medications include (but are not limited to):

How to Prevent Vomiting and Nausea

To prevent nausea

Avoid substances or activities known to produce nausea, such as drinking alcohol.

Nausea after eating can be prevented by eating in moderation and not over-eating.

For motion sickness due to riding in a boat or automobile, it is often helpful to focus on a stationary object on the horizon. Move to the top or middle of the boat and focus on the horizon or an aisle seat in an airplane where there is less side-to-side movement. Sit in a car (front seat) or train facing forward to keep your eyes and ears sensing the same thing. Look into the distance.

Over-the-counter medications such as Dramamine may help prevent motion sickness. Follow label instructions.

To prevent vomiting

Vomiting is a normal reflex in many situations but can become excessive as the result of severe nausea. Sip small amounts of clear fluid and rest in a calm environment.

To prevent dehydration

Drink as much clear liquids as possible. This may require taking very small amounts at a time.

For children, the caregiver may need to give small amounts of fluid, ice chips, or popsicles to the child.

Vomiting and Nausea Prognosis

Most nausea and vomiting go away without treatment, but depending on the
cause, may become severe. Even if the situation leads to dehydration, medicine and fluids can
usually correct the problem. If dehydration is not treated soon enough, the
person might need to be admitted to the hospital for treatment.

Nausea and Vomiting Definition

Nausea: Stomach queasiness, the urge to vomit. Nausea can be brought on by many causes, including systemic illnesses (such as influenza), medications, pain, and inner ear disease.

Vomit: Matter from the stomach that has come up into and may be ejected beyond the mouth, due to the act of vomiting.

When vomit is reddish or the color of coffee grounds, it may mean there is serious internal bleeding. The reddish color may herald fresh blood and dark blood may betoken blood that has been digested.

Vomit and vomitus are synonymous as nouns although only vomit is used as a verb.. The act of vomiting is also called emesis. From the Indo-European root wem- (to vomit), the source of the words such as emetic and wamble (to feel nauseated).